Mayor Des Kennedy has responded to criticism following an article in the Sydney Morning herald over the weekend.

In the article, Mayors representing Bathurst, Mudgee and Dubbo say their towns would be ideally placed to trial the easing of restrictions - if such a strategy was endorsed by NSW health authorities - because of their scant case numbers.

But, following the Mayors comments being misinterpreted on Social media, Mayor Kennedy has told us that it’s not his decision, but one for State & Federal Authorities, and that he would support it if they deemed it safe.

It comes as Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders says the time has come to look at the best way for NSW to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, saying he believes the regions can help lead the way.

He says that with daily confirmed-case numbers across the state dropping significantly from where they were when the state’s Public Health Order was enforced, and statistics in regional NSW showing prolonged positive trends, Mr Saunders said it is time to look at making slow progress towards reopening businesses and public facilities.

Mr Saunders says that there are ways that regional areas like the Dubbo region could help lead the recovery.

Mr Saunders said that while it is important to look at ways forward, it is also vital to recognise there will be repercussions from making a move back towards normality.